THE RENAISSANCE TRILOGY

The Golden Man, (2017)Thirteen year old James becomes Sir Robert Cecil's messenger when the Queen moves to Nonsuch Palace during the Court's summer recess in 1595. This brings him much closer to Sir Robert's rivalry with the Earl of Essex and to a number of civil disturbances on the streets of London. Meanwhile his friend Harry is sailing with Sir Walter Ralegh up the Orinoco. (ISBM 978-0-646-59543-6)

What a surprise! It is a lovely story, Paul, and so full of human frailty. It was only late in the story, very late, that the full implications of Shakespeare's Richard 11 became fully obvious. I had read of the intrigue of the Court with the various opinions of courtiers, suitors and advisors to Elizabeth but your story only magnified my understanding of how great a Queen Elizabeth was. - Jim Mitchell, fellow traveller

The Perseus, (2009)Ten year old Andrea Goro unwittingly makes important discoveries about the Duke's secret police while living in the household of the famous sculptor, Benvenuto Cellini. When nine years later Cellini does not record these findings in his 'Autobiography', Andrea writes his own account of those months. (ISBM 978-0-646-50818-4)

​ 'The Perseus' is fascinating - evocative of both place and the spirit of the times. Andrea Goro is a strong character and the story rollicks along very readably. The book could be enjoyed by an intelligent ten year-old, as much as by an older reader interested in the period. It is a good book. I wish it well. - Eileen Dunlop, renowned children's novelist

​Revels' Boy, (2013)

Twelve year old James becomes the page of Master Edmund Tylney, the Queen's Master of the Revels in the autumn of 1594. When the theatres reopen after being closed for two years, Master Tylney has difficulty finding enough plays for the Court Theatre Season to be held just after Christmas. While helping him James becomes entangled in the world of theatre and Court politics, a kidnapping and a plot against the Queen. (ISBM 978-0-646-59543-6)

I have read this book and thoroughly enjoyed it. I will be recommending it to the English Head of Faculty as it really does help to provide an insight into the late Elizabethan era and in particular theatre at the time that Shakespeare was writing. As a result it is helpful for any students who will be studying Shakespearean plays. I will ensure that the book is catalogued as a matter of priority and placed on our 'New Book Display' as soon as possible. - Mrs M. Bucholz, Head of Library and Information Services, Townsville Grammar School.

All three books are available on Amazon (Kindle ebooks). Hard copies are available by email: aldredpf@gmail.com